Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte following a welcome ceremony in The Hague on Monday, as part of his official visit to the Netherlands from Sunday to Tuesday.

The two prime ministers expressed their delight at the progress in the two countries’ comprehensive partnership and the rapid growth of bilateral trade and investment ties, which have turned the Netherlands into the second-largest European trading partner and the biggest EU investor of Vietnam.

They consented on continuing to effectively implement the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and developing the two countries into transit centers for goods in their respective regions.

PM Chinh proposed that the Netherlands ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in an early manner, and encourage Dutch businesses to step up investment in Vietnam in seaports, shipbuilding, logistics, and infrastructure.

He also asked the Netherlands to support the European Commission’s removal of its IUU ‘yellow card’ warning against Vietnam’s aquatic product exports and assist the Southeast Asian nation in building seaports, airports, and innovation centers.

PM Rutte stated that the EVFTA is an important impetus for bilateral economic relations, stressing that Dutch businesses are paying more and more attention to Vietnam, which boasts political stability and an optimal investment and business climate.

The leader spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to sustainably develop the fishery industry and also voiced his support for the European Commission’s early removal of the ‘yellow-card’ warning.

Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnerships in climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture.

PM Chinh asked the Netherlands to assist Vietnam in developing eco-friendly, modern, and smart agriculture, provide aid in terms of finance, technology, and manpower training within the Just Energy Transition Partnership to help Vietnam effectively cope with climate change and realize climate commitments, and support the country in developing a circular economy.

PM Rutte pledged to foster cooperation in renewable energy development and give assistance in term of offshore sand mining technology, land erosion prevention, and amendment of the Law on Water Resources.

He welcomed the Vietnamese premier’s proposal on the establishment of a trilateral cooperation mechanism on agriculture and food security to deal with supply chain disruptions and contribute to common efforts to resolve the global issue of food security.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in security-defense, culture-tourism, transport, science-technology, and education-training while continuing to support each other at multilateral forums.

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